Blocked drains?

Re: Blocked drains?

Martin wrote:How often do you find the leak is actually due to a blocked/overflowing drain that’s the problem and not the machine?

Amongst other issues leaks are not a huge problem for us from drains unless as you say it’s blocked.

Martin wrote:Do you try to fix the problem or simply charge the customer for a CALLOUT and tell her to contact a local plumber?

If it’s simple we usually will, if it’s a charge call almost certainly we will if it’s reasonably simple and local to the appliance, if not then no.

Martin wrote:Or do you attempt to clear the blockage yourself and charge the customer DYNO-ROD PRICES?

That’s partially the reason we do not do so as we charge a fixed fee plus I don’t think it’s covered in the insurance either. 😕

Martin wrote:I personally do try to clear the problem if it is simple and not too involved. I do have trouble however with the types of drain clearing wire rod devices and would like to find on the market some better (rodding type) system thats easier and less messy. (or maybe some form of high compression device to blast the blockage clear would be good!)

You’re into Dyno-Rod country there are you not?

K.

Re: Blocked drains?

nine times out of ten the parcial/blockage is at the second elbow as it leaves the property for the drain. Most times I just re-run the drain pipe, this way I will get my charge with no hassle. Dyno-rod will inevitably fail to find the partial blockage, tell the customer the pipe is clear, and we do not know what we are talking about. IF the pipe disappears under the floor or into the inside walls I walk away.

Re: Blocked drains?

eastlmark wrote:Some of us want that customer to call us again, not charge and clear off. Of course, we will do whatever we can to clear it, if its a screw up drain our guys will take it apart and clean it, if not we carry wire things to try and do it, then at least we have justified our charge. Infact some times its a releif to find a blocked drain as the job can be considerably easier to repair than, for example a tub half change or whatever.
Had it been a warranty job we may not be so helpful, depends if the WP is willing to pay us for a no fault found or not.
I think this is another case of differrent work practices between those of us who carry out and seek more chargeable work and those who just do warranty stuff.

The funniest ones is when the customer goes and buys a NEW MACHINE cos their old one leaks, doesnt want to pay us to look at it and the new one leaks just as bad as its the drain at fault, have to laugh really.

Many years ago, in a different incarnation, we had a call from a desperate dealer. “new w/machine, first load put in, customer goes shopping”. Returns some time later, suds two inches deep behind front door, customer fifty feet above ground, trailing smoke, heading for the planet ZANUSSI.

I attended as a matter of urgency, the suds had been disposed of and I was able to get at the appliance. I fully tested the appliance, all fill levels correct, tumble pattern correct, no “spin on tumble” which was a common problem.

I asked to see the detergent, which was automatic, put some detergent and a small load in and switched it on. About ten minutes later the tub was full of suds and emigrating via the dispenser drawer and the dispenser air break. This was a new , very large packet, and almost full.

I deduced the batch of detergent had no suds suppressor incorporated and asked if the powder had been used in their old machine. “Yes”, came the reply, “and it flooded the b****y kitchen too. That’s why we dumped it in the garage and went down town for a new one”. “Would you like to look at that one while you’re here ?”. After discovering it was an Electra, I politely declined. Happy days.

Shane.

Re: Blocked drains?

Martin wrote:I went to a Whirlpool AWM1866 a week last Tuesday, complaint: “Not emptying!” Quickly found the filter was blocked with all sorts of crud (coins, collar stiffeners, buttons etc). Checked the rest of the machine out, replaced Door Seal etc, job done!

Last night she phoned back and said a couple of days after I called, the Fridge Freezer started leaking underneath and as it was under guarantee, called out Hotpoint. The Hotpoint guy found it wasn’t the fridge but the washing machine drain pipe overflowing which was creeping under the freezer and not leaking by the washing machine. He tried to charge her £80quid call out but she smiled sweetly and gave him tea and crumpets, but when he eventually left he said to her,that she should complain to me as “I was the one that last touched it!”

Thanks Hotpoint, love you too pal!

Anyway, I charmed her into realising that even if I call back and take a look at the drain pipe there would be a further charge (with discount for tea and crumpets) as my work guarantee did not cover blocked drains! She agreed, I went, took off the U trap, cleaned it out, but it back, tea and rich fruit cake this time. “That’ll be £52.88 then madam”….thanks, and waved bye! bye!

Another satisfied customer to my credit, I love my job sometimes!

Martin

Just a query abot the crumpet, was it singular or plural ?

Shane.